Learn more about Paul's work on a day-to-day basis

I’d say you have to be a certain type of person to enjoy Operations. You’re typically dealing with things that aren’t working correctly. They’re broken, or they need somebody to tweak, to move things around, so that we can create a better client experience. What that means is that though you might have a very organised calendar, things could change very quickly, because the nature of the job means there’s always something that could come in that needs urgent attention.

That’s what attracted me quite frankly: the sheer range of things you get to see, and the challenging environment that comes along with that.

There isn’t another part of the bank were you’ll feel totally connected the same way.

The other key thing is, you get to see the end-to-end ecosystem of the bank. There isn’t another part of the bank were you’ll feel totally connected the same way. If you’re in front office, you’ll only see one component, whereas if you’re in Operations, you have to learn to understand the whole picture – everything we offer and how it’s delivered – to be able to do your job.

You’re always trying to reduce your cost base too, whilst providing a better end service – and that’s enormously challenging. You have to be the sort of person who can manage that level of complexity and changeability.

At the same time though, you get a lot of support to make it all happen, whilst also maintaining your own life. I can work from home when I want to. I can work in other locations. As long as you’re doing your job, the bank’s view is that you can work anywhere. It means there’s more virtual working and greater flexibility. From my point of view, it means I can make sure I don't miss out on family life, even when I have to fly to other cities.